Ethan D. Bryan, a native of Springfield and an author, is on a mission to play catch every day for a full year for the second time in his life. His first endeavor, chronicled in his book “A Year of Playing Catch,” set the stage for his recent visit to the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa, where he celebrated the 35th anniversary of the iconic film.
In 2018, during his first year of playing catch, Ethan first visited the site accompanied by his father. This time, he was joined by his wife, Jamie, to engage in the “largest game of catch” as part of the premiere of a new film titled “Rally Caps.” Their visit included a tour of the famous farmhouse featured in the movie, where Ethan happily spotted his own book on a shelf.
During their time at the site, Ethan played catch and made numerous new friends. One of them was Garry, who shared heartfelt memories of his late father, including a newspaper clipping documenting the day his dad caught baseball legend Satchel Paige. He also showed Ethan a special invitation his father received for spring training in Hot Springs, Arkansas, signed by Honus Wagner.
Ethan also met John and Suzanne, Minnesota Twins fans. He joined their game of catch, where Suzanne impressed him with her first base skills using a glove modeled after that of Twins star Kent Hrbek. John recounted a memorable high school baseball moment involving a complete game shutout.
The event featured a Sandlot Clinic led by Coach Ballgame, known as James Lowe, who teaches life lessons through baseball. The clinic engaged participants with humor and interactive exercises, honoring the spirit of baseball. Ethan reconnected with Bigby Suddarth, a young player he had first met during his initial catch-playing year.
Despite having had four open-heart surgeries and awaiting another major procedure, Bigby joined Ethan and Tim to create new memories playing catch, running the bases, and enjoying the day under the vast Iowa sky.
As they played, Ethan reflected on the film’s emotional impact and the scene where Kevin Costner’s character asks, “Hey! Dad? You want to have a catch?” Although Bigby had not yet seen the movie, the bond they formed that afternoon reinforced the significance of their time together in a place that holds a deep connection for baseball fans.